The Dolphin pub, or the Blue Dolphin as it was originally called, was built in the classic roadhouse style of the 1930s. The brewery was not just targeting the local drinker anymore, but the motorist in particular. These buildings were often wide, built near busy roads (corners and bends were a favourite) and offered the ease of a forecourt car park.

Built in 1931, it was used for Roman Catholic services prior to the opening of St Borromeo's. A blue dolphin plaque sits on the right-hand side of the church door as a tribute to the pub's services. Update, the church has since been demolished.

It has been at least five years since I last visited the Dolphin pub in East Worthing, and I discovered a dramatic change. The single open bar has been divided into two distinct sections - the smaller public bar with a pool table, and a much larger dining section advertised as The Flint Kitchen.

There appears to be a third bar that was occupied at the time of my visit, which leads to the large back garden. I am pleased to say that I did spot a Bar Billiard table in a corner.

The Dolphin closed in 2013 and rumours spread that Tesco's were interested in acquiring the property, with the view of converting it into a Tesco Express.

in February this year we paid a visit ourselves to see if we could discover more. The following pictures, and a chat with a man on the site, confirmed that the interior had been stripped out completely. Unfortunately we weren't allowed in (Heath & Safety) to see for ourselves.

We can confirm that one of the men on site had Tesco on the back of his High-Visibility vest.

left: Rescued from the sad demise of the Dolphin
pub by Debbi Pilkington. This beautiful stained glass
window is now in our possession .

1930 - Ernest James Gomm
1932 - Ethel Alice Wells, remarried widow of above
1932 - 1934 John Thomas Woolmore
1987 - 1992 Hugh & Angela Ede
1975 - Bride McNally
1992 - Yvonne Pilbean
2007 - David Stocken

From the Worthing Journel: 1932: Police raided the Dolphin Hotel, Dominion Road, after an undercover officer witnessed regulars filling in football pools coupons at the bar in contravention of the 1853 Betting Act which banned gambling on licensed premises. Landlady Ethel Alice Wells was fined £5